Factors influencing condom use among the Makerere University students.

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing condom use among students at Makerere University, focusing on Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics students under the College of Business and Management Sciences. The study was motivated by the continued risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS, despite the availability of condoms and increased awareness of safer sexual practices. Specifically, the study assessed the influence of knowledge about STDs, condom accessibility, peer encouragement, alcohol consumption, and perceptions about condom use in long-term relationships on condom use.A cross-sectional research design was used. Primary data were collected from 151 students using a structured questionnaire administered through Kobo Collect and shared via WhatsApp. Data was analysed using STATA through univariate, bivariate (Chi-square), and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. Of the 151 respondents, 98 had ever engaged in sexual activity and were included in the analysis of condom use.The findings showed that 70% of the sexually active respondents used a condom during their last sexual intercourse. Bivariate analysis revealed that sex and peer encouragement were significantly associated with condom use. Logistic regression further showed that male students and those encouraged by their peers were more likely to use condoms. However, knowledge about STDs, condom accessibility, alcohol consumption, age, and perceptions about condom use in long-term relationships were not statistically significant predictors of condom use.The study concludes that peer encouragement and sex of the students are the major factors influencing condom use among Makerere University students. It recommends strengthening peer-led sexual health education programmes and promoting interventions that empower female students to negotiate and practice safer sex. These findings provide useful evidence for improving sexual and reproductive health programmes within universities.